Helen Skelton has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of her highly publicized split from ex-husband Richie Myler, admitting that life after their divorce felt “humiliating” as strangers constantly approached her about her personal life.
The TV presenter, who separated from the former rugby star in 2022 after nine years of marriage, says the hardest part wasn’t just the end of the relationship—it was feeling like everyone else knew her story too.
“It Felt Humiliating”
Reflecting on one of the most difficult periods of her life, Helen revealed that she struggled with the intense public attention surrounding the breakup, especially in her hometown where people felt comfortable commenting on her private life.
“It felt humiliating to me because of where I’m from,” she explained in an interview with The Times. “I didn’t enjoy walking down the street and people knowing things about my past.”
She recalled how conversations about her love life seemed impossible to escape. Even her father, Richard, would hear gossip at his local golf club, while supermarket staff would ask for updates whenever she was simply trying to do her shopping.
For Helen, those everyday encounters became a constant reminder that her heartbreak had become public conversation.
Finding a Way Forward
Rather than hiding from the spotlight, Helen made a bold decision that she says helped her regain control of her own story.
She signed up for Strictly Come Dancing later that year, determined to focus on something positive instead of the endless speculation surrounding her personal life.
“I wanted to have my own narrative,” she said. “I was sick of the patronising looks and people saying, ‘Ooh, how are you?'”
Partnered with professional dancer Gorka Márquez, Helen quickly became one of the breakout stars of the series. The pair reached the grand final before finishing in fourth place, with many viewers praising her resilience throughout the competition.
Addressing the Gethin Jones Rumours
Helen also took the opportunity to set the record straight about the persistent rumors linking her to Morning Live co-host Gethin Jones.
Speculation about a romance has circulated since 2025, with reports claiming the pair had grown close behind the scenes. But Helen insists there’s nothing romantic between them.
“It’s wild,” she said, laughing. “I’ve had my best friend congratulate me on our engagement. We’re not together.”
She described Gethin as one of her closest friends, adding that people have simply mistaken a genuine friendship for something more.
“We work together; he’s one of my best friends.”
No Dating Apps for Helen
While many newly single celebrities turn to dating apps, Helen says that’s one trend she has no interest in following.
“I couldn’t think of anything worse,” she joked.
She even shared a humorous story about her father, who regularly mixes up Tinder and Vinted, jokingly telling people she’s using the dating app when he actually means the online marketplace.
Life After the Split
Helen and Richie share three children together following their nine-year marriage.
Since their separation, Richie has built a new life with partner Stephanie Thirkill, and the couple have welcomed two children together.
Meanwhile, Helen has focused on raising her family, continuing her successful television career, and moving forward on her own terms—making it clear that she no longer wants public speculation to define the next chapter of her life.
